Clark Nonprofit Builds Pollinator Garden at Esposito Park

The Clark Community Alliance has been building a pollinator garden at Esposito Park since May 2026, working in coordination with Union County, which owns the park. The garden, planted with native wildflowers and grasses, went from a field of grass and dirt to a blooming ecosystem between May and August 2026.

CCA is a Clark-based nonprofit founded in 2010. Its stated mission is to cultivate community, promote volunteerism, and help beautify Clark. CCA trustees Mary Semler, Mike Shulman, and Bill Grzyb are among those involved in the Esposito Park project.

Initial planting and site preparation took place in May 2026. In July 2026, CCA put out a request for additional volunteers for another round of planting and weeding scheduled for the end of July.

In a social media update, CCA reported that invasive plants were being removed from previously planted areas in the weeks prior to the post. "Over the past few weeks, we have been rehabilitating previously planted areas by removing invasive plants and giving our native species the space they need to thrive. It is already paying off — we have seen some fantastic honey bee activity in the garden," CCA wrote.

The plants selected for the meadow are intended to bloom across multiple seasons. A Union County sign at the site states: "The native wildflowers and grasses planted in this meadow were selected so that flowers will bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall."

Species planted in the meadow include black-eyed Susan, lance-leafed coreopsis, tickseed sunflower, cosmos flower, butterfly weed, blanket flower, and purple coneflower.

Union County Life covers Clark community initiatives and environmental programs. Find more Clark news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Clark Community Alliance pollinator garden?
A: It is a native wildflower and grass meadow planted at Esposito Park to support pollinators and provide year-round blooms.

Q: Where is the garden located?
A: The garden is at Esposito Park in Clark, New Jersey, which is owned by Union County.

Q: When did the project begin?
A: The initial planting and site preparation took place in May 2026.

Q: Who is building the garden?
A: The Clark Community Alliance (CCA), a Clark-based nonprofit, is leading the project with volunteer support and in coordination with Union County.

Q: When did the garden start blooming?
A: Plants began blooming as the project developed through summer 2026, with established blooming by late summer.

Q: What is the Clark Community Alliance?
A: CCA is a nonprofit founded in 2010 with a stated mission to cultivate community, promote volunteerism, and help beautify Clark.

Q: Who are the trustees involved?
A: CCA trustees Mary Semler, Mike Shulman, and Bill Grzyb are among those involved in the Esposito Park project.

Q: What plants are in the garden?
A: Species include black-eyed Susan, lance-leafed coreopsis, tickseed sunflower, cosmos flower, butterfly weed, blanket flower, and purple coneflower.

Q: When do the plants bloom?
A: The plants were selected to bloom throughout spring, summer, and fall.

Q: How is the garden maintained?
A: CCA volunteers remove invasive plants and manage the habitat to help native species thrive.

Q: What wildlife has been observed?
A: Honey bee activity has been observed and reported in the garden.

Q: Can I volunteer for the project?
A: Yes. CCA has issued requests for additional volunteers. Contact the Clark Community Alliance for current volunteer opportunities.

Q: How does this help pollinators?
A: Native wildflowers provide food and habitat for pollinators like bees. The meadow design supports multiple pollinator species.